Members Harbour
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Sea Commander
Originally built in the late 1950's by my dad, and rescued from his attic 22 years ago, it had major delamination problems, a seized propshaft, no rc kit only an ancient Taycol Supermarine motor which was ready for the scrap bin, but Doug in Munich offered to resurrect it, and I was actually amazed at how efficient it is now its refitted along with the special Doug converter box.
25amp water cooled esc, flysky 6 channel rx. All ppowered by the 12 volt 7amp hour battery.
Colin H
1 year ago
9 Attributes
1 Photo
5 Likes
Fishing boat SHANNON
My first scratch built boat, in 2002 when I was waiting for a broken ankle to mend. Sails okay but easily affected by the wind. I used up my balsa offcuts to build from a plan downloaded from internet.
6volt nicads 2000mah lasts between 35 to 45 minutes. 380 motor, 10 amp esc.
Colin H
2 years ago
0 Attributes
2 Photos
6 Likes
My first boat.
This little pond yacht was a 5th birthday present from my grandad in March 1954. Sailed regularly and is great fun. No control only luck and the wind.
In the 67 years I have owned it has had three sets of sails and been repainted only once.
Colin H
2 years ago
2 Attributes
4 Photos
7 Likes
Dart Belle Paddle Steamer.
Model acquired from the builder in 2017, he originally scratch built it in the 1960's. It performs quite nicely and is steered with independent paddle drive as well as rudder. Uses a 6volt sla battery.
Colin H
2 years ago
8 Attributes
1 Photo
2 Likes
Academy Kingfisher
This boat was given to me by a bird watcher who saw me sailing another of my boats on local private lake. He said he built from a kit in 1970. It came with a McGregor RC System included in its original box.
Colin H
2 years ago
11 Attributes
3 Photos
3 Likes
Westeriffe
Bought from another modeller on this site, built to a very good standard. Working lights, Fire fighting water canon. Powered by Robbe Power 1000 Motor.
Colin H
2 years ago
11 Attributes
6 Photos
6 Likes
(Tug Boat) VALIANT
This tug was built by a modeler in Bristol during the early 1960's it was given to me at the Abergavenny Steam and vintage show in 2016 by the makers grandson who told me it had been on display in his mums house from 1970 when his grandad died till 1987 when she died then put in his parents attic till it was given to me. it had a couple of holes in the hull and the upper works had been broken so required fixing. not having any pictures I used all the original bits that came with it so I hope it looks as it should. it's made mostly from balsa with some wooden bits and replacement planking from coffee stirrers otherwise all original. it requires 2 x 12v 7ah lead acid batteries and about 5 kilograms of ballast. (Silver Sand in 500grm packs).
On the only test run I've managed to tow a 16 foot fishing boat with three men on my local fishing lake. (Motor: geared 540) (ESC: 20amp MTroniks Viper marine) (8/10)
Colin H
6 years ago
0 Attributes
4 Photos
4 Likes
(Tug Boat) Emanuel
Built in 1954 by my Grandad. Construction is Bread and Butter in Balsa originally a free sail model but now converted to RC. 27mhz.was given to me on my 5th birthday. Not sailed for over 25 years, but now happy sailing for short runs as prop shaft leaks slightly. (ESC: Mtronics Viper Marine 20amp) (8/10)
Colin H
6 years ago
9 Attributes
1 Photo
1 Like
(Other) project X
Given as project, no known details of origins as yet. (Motor: Ripmax) (ESC: Viper Marine) (5/10)
Colin H
10 years ago
7 Attributes
1 Photo
0 Likes
(Working Vessel) Rust Bucket
This is my latest restoration project. its built completely of metal and is in a terrible condition although the hull seems to be water tight.
The motor and prop-shaft and prop is listed in a BASSETT LOWKE catalogue dating from 1936, so the boat age is unknown but my guess would be late 30's to 1950. All guesses acknowledged. (Motor: BASSETT LOWKE) (5/10)
Colin H
11 years ago
4 Attributes
1 Photo
6 Likes
(Pleasure Craft) FAIREY HUNTSMAN (KATHY'S CLOWN)
Just rescued from ebay seller who had it in storage since he inherited it in 1976, it was Fairey Huntsman, scratch built sometime in early 60's by his father who used to sail it near Manchester. its fitted with a SANWA 2F-2M RC system which seems to be still functioning. I will be doing restoration over the next few months, as there are a few cracks showing along most of the seems and I will need to sand and seal and repaint. (Motor: Marx) (ESC: Speed King) (5/10)
Colin H
11 years ago
7 Attributes
4 Photos
3 Likes
(Pleasure Craft) sea scout
This boat was one of my dads from the late 1950's.
It's an aerokits sea scout. Now fitted with a MabuchI motor of unknown power, but undergoing test running with 6 Volts, seem more than adequate, Belt drive to propshaft. (Motor: Mabuchi) (5/10)
Colin H
12 years ago
6 Attributes
10 Photos
6 Likes
(Pleasure Craft) MV Caroline
This model is a scratch built 1/15th scale model of an Ocean going pleasure craft built in 1964 by my late father. it was originally powered by a large bosch windscreen wiper motor, but has been replaced with an MFA RE 800 stock motor running from 2 x 12V sla batteries. Dry weight 13.2 Kilos. Last sailed in 1992 on open sea at Aberystwyth, I was on my dads fishing boat watching as dad sailed her the full length of the south beach and back into the harbour. Now ready to relaunch on Saturday 10th June 2017 at WMBC open day. (Motor: MFA . RE800) (ESC: Fusion Aquapower AQP128) (9/10)
Colin H
12 years ago
12 Attributes
4 Photos
8 Likes
(Fire Boat) Mk2 firefloat 93
This boat was originally built with my dad's help (mostly him), in about 1959/60 my first powered model and originally had a small diesel engine (E.D.I Think.)And no radio gear. But now fitted with electric motor and radio gear with working monitors and lights.hope to finish restoration in time for spring launch. (Motor: Mannesmann Clash21 ) (ESC: Mtronics sport tuned 20) (8/10)
Colin H
12 years ago
9 Attributes
Members Blogs
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Fairey Swordsman restoration.
HI fellow enthusiasts, am working on my wife's model at present, It was obtained from the original builder who had built It In 1964 from a kit but he couldn't remember the maker.
It Is 34.5 Inches long, and was originally fitted with a Sterling 60 glow plug engine, now removed. the boat has now been totally stripped back to bare wood and re sealed, filled, and glass cloth with resin coated.
That's It up to now, will update as work progresses. please feel free to comment or advise me of any errors I make.
Colin H
11 years ago
Recent Posts
๐ฌ Re: Billings boat Nordcap 9
1 hour ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

Fleet Admiral)
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Stephen wiring a brushed motor is as simple as putting 2 wires onto it and if it runs the wrong way just swap over.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Vintage model boats.
10 hours ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Thanks Roy, lovely to see and hear these lovely pieces of model engineering at work.
My grandchildren like to see them running, so for safety purposes I use low pressure airline from my airbrush compressor.
My Bassett Lowke motor was a mess when removed from a tinplate coaster that I rescued at an auction for 50p about 15 years ago. Now on my display and runs sweetly on 6 volts.
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๐ Vintage model boats.
10 hours ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Good morning Wolfgang, sorry to dissapoint you, but that is the sister ship Witte Zee.
And my grandson likes to tell everyone that when the real one was launched it was the largest ocean going tug in the world.
He also plays football for his towns under 12's and is quite a prolific goal scorer.
I am now teaching him what I can about building models and using tools safely.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Wordle of the Day?
12 hours ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Slow start but up to speed on 4th try.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Vintage model boats.
21 hours ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Alessandro, thank you for your nice comments.
I have many model boats from 1914 up to 1980's plus a few more in the process of being built.
Some of the models I own have been built by my grandfather, some by my father and some by me, along with a lot either bought by myself or donated to me in need of restoration.
I tend to use autumn and winter to work on my models and enjoy sailing and showing in the summer at vintage shows in my area, usually taking between 20 and 30 for a weekend show, for which I have built a trailer that is also used as a storage container.
My grandson has now joined in with my hobby and has 7 boats of his own which he also likes to take to the shows with me.
We both enjoy sailing our models and we can get quiet competitive in maneuvering and towing with our Tugs.
I suppose my main hobby is the restoration and conservation of these fine old models which need love and understanding to bring them back to life, I try to keep them as close to original as possible.
But must admit to using modern 2.4ghz radios in most of the ones we sail regularly these days.
I hope this helps you understand why I am on this wonderful website offering advice when I can but also still learning myself.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ when things suddenly goes west
23 hours ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Alessandro good evening, you have given a very good answer to a question with very limited information available.
I understood the whole thing and I can't think of anything else that would help.
Without a detailed drawing or photos of the full system as it was, so it looks like we are at the end until Stephen checks it out.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Wordle of the Day?
2 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Took four casts to land this one. Don't get many of these in cardigan Bay.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Wordle of the Day?
2 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Stephen its fine as it is, thought process for us oldies can sometimes be a bit slow, but it keeps the brain active.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Wordle of the Day?
2 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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A voyage of discovery with the help of the clue I landed on 4th row.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ when things suddenly goes west
3 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Stephen, I think you mean 5000mili amp hour which is equal to 5 amp hour.
Picture 2 could be the problem, I think you will need to tidy up those loose wire ends, as if one touches the opposite pole it could short out and catch fire.
I'm sure that's not your usual standard of wiring, so that could possibly be the answer.
Hope I've not been too harsh in my evaluation of your skill, we are all here to help if we can.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ฌ Re: SoFarUnamed
3 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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After seeing your quality of workmanship I would call it Endeavour .
Cheers Colin.
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๐ when things suddenly goes west
3 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Stephen what amp hour is your 7.2 battery pack. I find running extras fom a small battery reduces your runtime, so you would probably need to carry spare battery.
My own preference is for separate batteries for accessories. Thus keeping your running battery for longer runs. Any model under 30 inches is the only ones I keep to single batteries purely as room is tight.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ when things suddenly goes west
3 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Well Stephen I think that you need a higher amperage give a constant supply.
Is there room for a small sla or lifepo battery.
Or another set of AA's just for the lights.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Wordle of the Day?
3 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Oh no, didn't feel the breeze needed the clue to lift a 4 today.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ when things suddenly goes west
3 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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So my understanding is that you have a 6volt supply that's wiring makes contact via the brass plates as you fit the top on your model. And this powers the radar, cooling fan and lights. Seems a lot for 4 x AA batteries, as the power reduces the LED lights will shut down suddenly when it gets to their reqired voltage. Whereas the fan and radar will run till the battery is dead.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ when things suddenly goes west
4 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Good morning Stephen, I don't understand your last comment about where they get power from?
Cheers Colin.
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๐ when things suddenly goes west
4 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Hi Stephen, how can you be certain that the contacts are making a good circuit?
Which battery powers the lights?
Is everything else working as it should?
Any chance that you can draw a schematic of your electric circuits for us to evaluate a possible solution to your problem.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Wordle of the Day?
4 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Down deep to line 3 with help from a fresh tank of air and a set of flippers.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ when things suddenly goes west
4 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Stephen I take it that all was fine then suddenly stopped?
Are they relying on the contact plates in the pictures?
Is there anything else that could affect the lights, is everything else OK?
Are the contacts spring loaded?
Any other information you have could help, Are the lights LEDs or bulbs?
Wired in parallel or series?
Battery OK.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Fairey huntsman re paint colour
4 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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That's a real bargain, and a good colour.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Fairey huntsman re paint colour
4 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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The standard colour was midnight blue, but as these boats were built to customer specs they varied in colour according to the customers preference, (even canary yellow).
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Question of the Day?
5 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Allessandro you are quite correct in your thinking, it's just a fun quiz but I do my best, my average is 93% so I'm not perfect.
We do our best, and it's nice to converse with you and other members from around the world, even though we speak different languages we all enjoy our chosen hobby.
I thank you for your efforts and I appreciate the translations on your posts which I attempt to read in your language, but not very successfully.
Regards Colin.
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๐ Question of the Day?
5 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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I think that too many of us rely on gps navigation rather than a chart and compass.
And us an island nation should be doing better than 9th place in this quiz.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Wordle of the Day?
5 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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First 3 were damp and failed to ignite, the clue gave me a spark and lit up the sky on 4th attempt.
Must keep in dry locker from now on.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Union flag.
6 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

Fleet Admiral)
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They do a great range of flags, penants on cloth which look very realistic on models.
Cheers Colin.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124995346979?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0 |
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๐ Union flag.
6 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Hi Nick, I use :-
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/323782864296?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0 |
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๐ Wordle of the Day?
6 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Got afloat in 2 today, cheers Colin.
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๐ Wordle of the Day?
7 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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3rd shout got me the right reply. Have to shout louder.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Wordle of the Day?
8 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Fueled up and ready to go on row 3.
Cheers Colin.
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๐ Wordle of the Day?
9 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Colin H (

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Nothing to stand on in 3 rows, got the planks in the clue for 4 tier finish.
Cheers Colin.
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